The most effective means of communications is via email. I send out a lot! This is my only way to effectively communicate to such a large group since we do not get an opportunity to meet on a regular basis. I realize that you are all not able to check your email on a regular basis so I will also try to post whatever I can on the Performing Company Bulletin Board (located on the wall near the door in Studio L5) so it is a good idea for you to get in the habit of checking it for any updates/information. If you need to get a hold of me for any reason, you can contact me via email, cell phone, or leave a note in the PC mailbox at the studio. Please know that communication is important and I value your input.

• www.dcpa.dancerhost.com
• A password will be given to you by Tami or Bethany once the website is up and running. Until then, please be patient.

PC Mailbox

There is a separate mailbox (red/yellow mailbox located on the desk) for specific Performing Company events. We appreciate your cooperation if you would write separate checks for Performing Company events (conventions, workshops, master classes, PC costumes, etc.), although you may combine Performing Company events for siblings, if applicable. For our bookkeeping purposed, we have to keep your PC accounts separate. Your monthly tuition (team rate) and costumes fees for regular shows (Let’s Dance, Nutcracker, etc.) should be paid in the normal Dance Connection mailbox underneath the PC bulletin board. Please make your best effort to pay in a timely manner. We often incur added costs for many who do not pay on time. If this continues to occur, we will need to add extra fee for all events for all dancers.

Schedule

Manage your time wisely! As mentioned in your letter, your commitment to the Performing Company (yourself and your fellow team dancers) is huge. Schoolwork comes first, however, if it begins interfering with your weekly classes and/or or rehearsals on a regular basis, it might be a sign that you need to cut back on your activities and it will be up to you to decide the best thing for yourself.

Note: For 2008/09, the added rehearsal class time during the week will allow us to concentrate on specific technique specific to your competition choreography as well as improve individual technique and flexibility. Although we don’t anticipate eliminating the weekend rehearsals in January/February/March, we do believe they will be easier and much more productive. As always, the time you spend at rehearsal is yours and if all team members attend and are focused, the easier and more productive the rehearsal will be. Please keep in mind that the schedule is subject to change. As you know, our teachers do a lot of traveling and have other dance events so we often need to plan around their schedules. Please take special note of all the Mandatory rehearsals. Commit now by initialing the schedule. If you are unable to make a mandatory rehearsal, an understudy will take your place.

Other Activities

I know that many of you participate in outside or school sports/activities. I support this however if they begin interfering with team commitments and you begin missing too many classes and rehearsals, you must understand the repercussions to your dancing and the team. Missing a full week or month of dance is NOT acceptable at all! If you anticipate this to be a problem, please be responsible and make your decision NOW as to whether you want to and can be a part of the Performing Company.

Costumes

We will be looking at competition costumes and we plan to order these around the end of September. We will take measurements during a team meeting, first rehearsal or first weekly practice.

Respect

As a member of the Performing Company, it is up to you to be respectful to team members, teachers, other dancers and everyone you meet. This team is not about being the best dancer. This team strives for discipline, honesty, commitment, dedication, hard work and teamwork (see the Dance Connection Performing Company Philosophy/Mission Statement). These are things that we, at Dance Connection, believe will help you throughout your life. We are a team that enjoys learning and has fun along the way.